U.S. calls for political deal in Yemen to avert bloodshed

NEW YORK — The United States called Tuesday for a political solution in Yemen to avert further bloodshed after 76 people were killed in the worst outbreak of violence in months.

US State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland also called “upon all parties to exercise restraint and refrain from further violence” while demanding a “prompt, impartial investigation” into the events.

“The United States continues to support the Yemeni people’s aspirations for a peaceful and orderly transition that is responsive to their aspirations for peace, reconciliation, prosperity, and security,” Nuland said in a statement.

“A political solution is the best way to avoid further bloodshed,” she said while attending meetings with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York.

“We remain hopeful that an agreement will be reached that leads to the expeditious signing of the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) political transition initiative,” Nuland said.

The GCC plan, proposed last spring, calls on Ali Abdullah Saleh, who is recovering in Saudi Arabia from a June 3 attack on his compound, to step down as president and hand over all constitutional authorities to the vice president.

In return, Saleh would receive amnesty from prosecution for himself and his family. But Saleh has so far failed to sign the deal.